Epidemiology and phenotypes of multiple sclerosis in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region

The Middle East North Africa (MENA) region falls in the low-to-moderate multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence zone, with prevalence rates slightly lower than Southern Europe but much higher than sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is clearly a trend toward increased MS prevalence over the last few decades, consistent with the globally rising prevalence of the disease. We analyzed all data collected from the MENACTRIMS (Middle East North Africa Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis) registry by the end of December 2018. A total of 6885 patients were eligible for the study. Overall, the clinical phenotype of MS in the MENA region was not different from the Western phenotype except for earlier age at onset and a more aggressive clinical course leading to earlier disability.